Rock is not actually my genre. From the relative safety and self
sufficiency – if not self satisfaction – of my Classical training, I
have been heard to assert that “good rock music” is an oxymoron. Nevertheless this curmudgeon has had a Damascus Road experience. In
spite of all prejudices, it is clear that this music has intrinsic
value and these musicians are people of rare talent. And anyway it is
hard to ignore one of the most influential bands of all time –
especially when one is a firm product of the baby boom!
Any memories I had of the actual Pink Floyd were reawakened in the
grand old Thebarton Theatre. The Pink Floyd Experience is a New
Zealand group that got together to honour this remarkable band, and
their work has been so successful they are now internationally known
and followed. This was their third visit to Adelaide, and the Floydies
of Adelaide were not disappointed, and turned out in droves, in spite
of the fairly high seat price.
More than simply trying to recreate the music, lights and effects of
the original, this group actually does a homage to them with great
respect, enthusiasm and dedication, not to mention remarkable ability. It was more than a homage – it was almost a resurrection. Favourites
like “Money”, “Us and Them” “Brain Damage” and “Welcome to the Machine”
were pounded out with appositely juxtaposed and innovative visuals and
lighting, dramatically enhanced by the smoke (stage smoke – not funny
stuff), through an enormous battery of speakers. The sound was
viscerally loud at times – surely this level is unnecessary when the
words and nuances of the music are actually more discernible through
earplugs!
The music of Pink Floyd has a very particular style, showing definite
influence of The Beatles, and while parts can be a bit samey at times,
it has a definite appeal to many age groups, and has undoubtedly been
very influential, and the 20th century would have been much the poorer
without it. It is certainly worth repeating and preserving, and in the
hands of a group of this ability, its preservation is assured and its
future safe.
Throughout the concert the spirit of the recently departed Richard
Wright hovered above us, and he was suitably remembered with a poignant
performance of “Wish You Were Here” which was dedicated to him.
This was a remarkable concert, and I am grateful to this band for
reawakening and rekindling my dormant appreciation of the genre, with
what was genuinely a Pink Floyd Experience.
Rock is not actually my genre. From the relative safety and self
sufficiency – if not self satisfaction – of my Classical training, I
have been heard to assert that “good rock music” is an oxymoron. Nevertheless this curmudgeon has had a Damascus Road experience. In
spite of all prejudices, it is clear that this music has intrinsic
value and these musicians are people of rare talent. And anyway it is
hard to ignore one of the most influential bands of all time –
especially when one is a firm product of the baby boom!
